That bike is in perfect shape for restoration, everything standard. The only parts that need scrapping are the tyres and tubes.

There is a never ending thread on motorcycle related themes, this one would be better there.

My friend has restored an AJW which he dug out of a ditch in much worse condition than that Sunbeam. It was for the joy of the restoration not profit, and it gets ridden regularly every summer.

Not wanting to start an argument, but it is under the Vehicle Restoration section, and has a fully descriptive title. Would be more likely to get lost amongst the more general motorcycle thread IMHO.

Rob

It is well worth restoring. It dates from the short period when Sunbeam were owned by AMC ( Matchless) . They only bought Sunbeam from ICI a couple of years earlier. And, because of the war and the demand for the G3L for the Army production ended soon afterwards, in 1940 or 41.

Sunbeam was alferwards sold to BSA but don't think they ever revives these early bikes.

Edited By Gerard O’Toole on 15/01/2023 19:01:30

CT the parts may not be as elusive as you think. There appears to be an owners club – but it has a far wider membership and appeal. Potential buyers would die for a machine as complete as this. Don't you dare scrap it!

Robert Butler

Edited By Robert Butler on 15/01/2023 19:48:40

I suggest that you join either the Sunbeam OC or the Vintage Motorcycle Club. These clubs will give you all the advice you need an be able to point you in the direction of specialist spares stockists.

HTH

Dave

If it runs and is safe, use it:

1. Too many bikes are just restored and then never seen.
2. Using it will tell you a lot about the bike, its failings and what is nice about it.

As already stated Sunbeam was, by then, owned by AMC (Matchless Motorcycles changed their name to AMC when they bought Sunbeam). Although no productions figures exist I doubt if many were made (perhaps one batch of about 500 in 1939).

JA

Just seen your comment about probate. I would put down a nominal sum since it has little value unless restored. Keep the Probate Office and Inland Revenue (if necessary) informed. In my one experience as an, or the active, executor I did not have any problems at all with either of these organisations. I would be more worried about other beneficiaries.

Edited By JA on 15/01/2023 20:36:48

CT

The Marston Sunbeam Club and Register specialises in pre-war 'Beams.

http://www.marston-sunbeam.org.

Jim

You obviously have not restored a motorcycle in recent years. That sort of money would be lucky to cover the cost of the required parts (and there will be many inside the engine and gearbox and magneto etc needed), paint work and chrome and zinc plating to bring it to fully restored standard. Then the tank may well be rusted out inside and need major expensive surgery. And on and on. You would get nowt for your labour doing it all. And there would be an easy 500 hours in that restoration, possibly as many as 1,000 if it is bad inside. There is no money to be made restoring old motorbikes anymore. Costs have skyrocketed. But demand for bikes of this era has not. Japanese classics of the 1970s and 80s seem to be flavour of the month right now with $25,000 (12,500 Quid) Kawasaki 900s and Honda 4s etc being common.

Personally though, I would not restore that bike. Just freshen it up mechanically and ride it as is. Unrestored survivors — the legendary "barn find" — are increasingly rare these days and worth good money, in some cases more than a fully restored model.

Probably worth a few quid as is, being a rare model and being so unusually complete and unmolested. Plenty of bikes have been restored from far less and far worse beginnings.

+1 on contact the Sunbeam owners club or your local vintage or classic bike club for an idea on its value. Dealers would not have a clue on this kind of stuff. If you put it up for auction and publicise it well it could draw a lot of interest.

And +1 on don't do anything to get it ready for auction. 'As found" is what people want and will pay for. Hosed down and scrubbed up it just looks like someone's unfinished project and has lost its originality.

Edited By Hopper on 16/01/2023 04:32:58

Edited By Hopper on 16/01/2023 04:34:39

Edited By Hopper on 16/01/2023 04:50:24

I know nothing of the total value of the estate, but for probate purposes you might be better off using the zero valuation you have from the dealer.